7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a common home appliance that we use daily. We tend to think of its utility for granted, but it’s vital to remember that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. There are some things that should not be flushed down the drain because they can cause obstruction from the pipes or damage for sewer drains.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t flush certain items down the toilet as they could block the drain or damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items you should never flush down the toilet include:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking oil, as well as cooking grease
- Feminine hygiene products (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Doing this will ultimately lead to blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines within your home’s plumbing system. This can result in unimaginable expense to you.
- Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney offers unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.
These are the seven items in your home should not be flushed down the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes might seem useful however they don’t dissolve like toilet paper. They can also clog pipes. Put them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
The flushing of condoms in the toilet can lead to blockages in the plumbing of your home as well as the wastewater treatment plant.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Grease and oil must be put in a container and thrown away in the trash, because they can harden and cause blockages in your drains and pipes.
4. Produits for female hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pads are often marketed in the form of "flushable, " but flushing them can cause problems later when they join with other products to create a nasty clog.
5. Medications
It is not recommended to flush medications down the toilet because they can be a source of contamination for water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is crafted to be sturdy so it won’t split when wet, which can lead to the possibility of clogging your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Unlike with toilet paper, paper towels have a thicker weave which will make them less likely to deteriorate rapidly once they are wet, which means they won’t quickly cause blockages.
If you flush any of these seven items will ultimately lead to blocked drains as well as damaged pipelines within your plumbing system which can result in an unexpected cost to you. Stay mindful of what you flush down the toilet.
| Item | Reason for not Flushing |
|---|---|
| Baby wipes | Do not break down like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Dispose of them in the trash instead. |
| Condoms | Leads to blockages both at home’s plumbing and treatment plants. |
| Cooking grease and oil | Will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes. |
| Feminine hygiene products | Combining with other items creates a nasty clog despite being marketed as "flushable". |
| Medications | Can contaminate our water sources. |
| Dental floss | Designed to be strong, leading to potential blockages in pipes. |
| Paper towels | Less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, easily causing blockages unlike with toilet paper. |
Common Questions and Answers
Do feminine hygiene products that are flushed cause damage to my pipes?
Yes. Female hygiene products don’t break down in water and could cause blockages in your pipes or sewer system.
Can flushable wipes be truly flushable?
No, many "flushable" wipes don’t actually break down easily and can cause clogs in your pipes.
Do I have to wash baby wipes by flushing them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should never be flushed down the drain as they do not dissolve well and can cause obstructions.
Are paper towels okay to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper and do not break down as quickly, causing the possibility of clogging in the plumbing system.
What about medications? Do I have to flush them into the toilet?
No. The toxins in medicines can affect our waterways, so it’s vital to dispose them properly by taking the containers to an appropriate place for drop-off.
If you’re faced with an unblocking drain Do not hesitate to contact our professional plumbing assistance via Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney . We offer services to clear blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to make sure your home isn’t impacted by drain issues. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Additional Information
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Tips & Solutions
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- Why You Need CCTV Drain Inspection Services
- Investigating and Verifying a Blocked Pipe: Measures to Take
- From Clogged to Clear: A Detailed Tutorial to Unblock Your Shower Drain
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Should Be Part of Your Regular Maintenance Routine
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Clear a Blocked Drain in Your Home
